Brotherhood

Born to Elsie Clinton-Macleod and Patrick Macleod of Atlanta, Georgia, on August 7, 1950, twin boys Braeden Ciardha Macleod and Jordan Wyatt Macleod led fairly normal lives, until the death of their father in 1956, when they were merely six years old. After this traumatic event, radical personality differences began to manifest themselves in the boys. Jordan, who had always been Elsie's favorite (to a degree) exhibited more caring, "stand-up" characteristics - the stereotypical "good" child; whereas Braeden, who had been Patrick's favorite, seemed to flounder without a strong father figure. He struggled in school, barely earning passing grades. He did not play well with others, constantly picking fights and beating up on other children. At the age of 11, he committed one of his first major infractions.


SCENE: A typical suburban front yard, belonging to FRANCES PEABODY, a neighbor of the Macleod family. A white picket fence surrounds the green lawn, with a gate at the end of the gravel pathway connecting the front porch with the sidewalk. Flanking the path are flower beds, overflowing with blooming petunias and pansies. JORDAN and BRAEDEN are hiding just beyond the side fence.

JORDAN
(Whispering, to BRAEDEN)
I'm telling you - this is a bad idea! You're gonna get in big trouble! We're not supposed to have firecrackers!

BRAEDEN
(Whispering)
Oh yeah? Quit being such a wiener!

JORDAN
Alright, don't come crying to me when Ma spanks you!

BRAEDEN
(Pulls cherry bomb and lighter from his pocket, prepares to light fuse)

JORDAN
(Leaps up, shrieks)
Where in the world did you get that?!

BRAEDEN
(Pulls JORDAN's arm, making him sit down hard)
The lighter? I stole it from Ma's candle drawer. You know, she doesn't use matches because it's too hard for her to light candles with 'em, so she uses these. And now, I'm gonna use it. (Moves to light fuse)

JORDAN
I meant the cherry bomb, dumbass! (Covers mouth with hand, eyes wide)

BRAEDEN
I'm telling Ma! You cussed!

JORDAN
Fine! I'm telling Ma it was you who blew up the fence! (Gets up, runs for home)

BRAEDEN
(To self, quietly, as he lights the fuse)
Go ahead, go whine to Ma. This is way fun, and I don't care if I get in trouble! (Places cherry bomb at base of fence, scuttles away)

(The cherry bomb goes off, destroying a small section of fence. ELSIE and FRANCES come scurrying outside, JORDAN following ELSIE closely.)

FRANCES
(Clutching her chest)
What in God's name was that?! You kids are going to give me a heart attack one day, mark my words!

ELSIE
Frances, are you alright?

FRANCES
(Still clutching her chest, an angry frown on her face)
I think so. Darn kids. What have they done n- (She rounds the corner, and sees the now-destroyed fence) OH MY LORD! MY FENCE!

ELSIE
(Turns to JORDAN, grabs his shoulders, shaking him slightly)
Jordan Wyatt! You tell me where your brother is, this instant!

JORDAN
(Babbles)
I told him it was a bad idea, and I was gonna tell you, and then he told me he stole a lighter from your candle drawer, and then he was gonna light the cherry bomb, and then I called him a dumbass and- (Clamps a hand over his mouth, eyes wide)

ELSIE
Spare me the details, just tell me where your brother is!

JORDAN
(Squeaks)
I don't know where he is!

BRAEDEN
(Walking up to the group)
Looking for me?

ELSIE
(Exasperated)
Braeden Ciardha Macleod! Did you do this?!

BRAEDEN
What's it to ya?

FRANCES
(Irate)
You little hooligan! I know this was you! You destroyed my fence!

BRAEDEN
Yeah, I did. What are ya gonna do about it?

ELSIE
Braeden, you are grounded, mister! You are going to use your allowance to buy the materials, and you are going to re-build Mrs. Peabody's fence! And you, Jordan (turns to face JORDAN) are going to help him, as punishment for swearing. Understood?!

JORDAN
(Meekly)
Yes, Ma.

BRAEDEN
(Looks away, defiant)

ELSIE
Braeden! Answer me!

BRAEDEN
(Turns to face ELSIE)
Yeah, yeah. (He dismisses her with a wave of his hand)

ELSIE
(To Frances, who is having hysterics in the background)
Frances - the boys are going to fix your fence. I'm truly sorry about this.

FRANCES
They had better! Hooligans!

SCENE: FRANCES's yard, the next day. JORDAN and BRAEDEN are fixing the fence.

JORDAN
(Sarcastic)
Thanks a lot, bro. This is all your fault, you know.

BRAEDEN
(Not caring)
Did you see the look on her face? Man, that was fun!

JORDAN
Braeden, you can't keep doing stuff like this. One day, you're gonna get in REAL trouble. Mom won't be the one punishing you. You'll get arrested, and you'll go to jail. Someone could get hurt or killed!

BRAEDEN
(Snort) Yeah, whatever. Good people are just bad people who don't get caught. I won't get caught. (Holds hands over head, making a circle to represent a halo)

JORDAN
I know you're gonna get caught. Someone is gonna get hurt, and you're gonna get caught.

BRAEDEN
I wouldn't have gotten caught this time if you hadn't ratted me out, you jerk! (Punches JORDAN in the arm)

JORDAN
You wanna fight?

BRAEDEN
Bring it on!

JORDAN
Crawl up my butt and fight for air! (Hits BRAEDEN back)

BRAEDEN
(Pushes JORDAN to the ground on his back, falling with him and pinning him down)
Mama's boy!

JORDAN
(Struggling underneath BRAEDEN, trying to get free)
Weenie-head! You're gonna be in so much trouble!

BRAEDEN
Oh yeah? What do you care?

JORDAN
I'm your brother, I'm supposed to care. Now get off my ribs! I can't breathe with you sitting on me, you big idiot!


After realizing just how fun and productive a life of causing mayhem and wreaking havoc could be, Braeden continued raising the stakes, committing more and more crimes, of increasing severity. To him, the adrenaline rush and payoff (however small it was) far outweighed the potential consequences. At the age of 17, during his senior year of high school, Braeden met an unlikely ally: Clarice (Cissy) Sherwood, the daughter of Josiah Sherwood, a preacher.


SCENE: High-school chemistry classroom, beginning of class period just prior to lunch. MR. BROCK, the teacher, is assigning lab partners for the day's experiment.

MR. BROCK
(in a monotone, droning towards the end of a long list)
...Dean and Claire, you'll be working together, go grab your goggles and aprons. Leah and Steven, you'll be working together, go grab your goggles and aprons. David and Grace, you'll be working together, go grab your goggles and aprons. Leyna and Jeff, you'll be working together, go grab your goggles and aprons. Braeden and Clarice, you'll be working together, go grab your goggles and aprons. Any questions?

CISSY
(raises hand)
Mr. Brock? I cannot work with Braeden. He's the class screw-off, and we won't get anything done.

BRAEDEN
(takes on a slightly mocking tone)
Mr. Brock? I can't work with her, either. She's a show-off, and she wouldn't let me do any of the work, and I wouldn't learn anything.

MR. BROCK
(condescending)
Now, in the real world, we will all encounter people with whom we are assigned to work whom we will not get along with. We all need to learn to work together. (clasps hands) I'm sure you two can make the best of this lab.

CISSY
(turns to BRAEDEN)
You are NOT going to ruin this lab for me. I'm not going to let you destroy my grade.

BRAEDEN
(offers a sarcastic salute)
Aye aye, ma'am!

CISSY
(infuriated)
Don't you take that tone with me!

BRAEDEN
(taking on a cavalier attitude)
You know, you're cute when you're mad.

CISSY
You can't flirt your way out of this one. I'm not one of those airhead cheerleaders you always put the moves on. I won't just fall at your feet.

BRAEDEN
Good. I like a challenge. (picks up a beaker) Come on. Let's get this lab done. We're wasting time.

CISSY
Since when are YOU, the class screw-up, concerned with wasting time, and getting work done?

BRAEDEN
Since a pretty girl was concerned about her grade, and it's partially my responsibility.

CISSY
(blushes slightly)
Well, then. Let's see what you've got. (grabs his paper and studies it) Wow. Who did you copy from? This is good. It's right.

BRAEDEN
(slightly indignant)
I didn't COPY from anyone. I just followed the directions. And this is what I got.

CISSY
(dumbfounded, and still slightly skeptical)
Well, let's put it to the test, then. (takes beaker from him)

BRAEDEN
(feigning hurt)
Aren't you going to let me do anything?

CISSY
(starting to warm up to the idea of flirting)
Maybe. What's it worth to ya, hm? (starts mixing chemicals)

BRAEDEN
(thinks carefully)
Hmmmmmmmmmm. How would you like to go out with me Friday night?

CISSY
(snickers)
Wouldn't that be me doing you another favor? Come on, you've got to do something for me.

BRAEDEN
Now, wait just a minute here. Wouldn't I be doing you a favor by taking you out Friday night?

CISSY
You can start by lighting that Bunsen burner for me. (she gestures towards the Bunsen burner on the counter)

BRAEDEN
Wow, you must have some faith in me, if you're letting me play with matches. Don't you know what kind of trouble matches can cause? (strikes a match, lights burner)

CISSY
Oh, I have some idea, but I have the feeling you're going to tell me anyway. (sets beaker on ring above burner to heat)

BRAEDEN
You remember when Mrs. Peabody's fence blew up?

CISSY
(takes on a know-it-all tone)
Fences don't just blow up, Braeden. Someone had to have done it.

BRAEDEN
Yup. I did it.

CISSY
Stop right there. I don't want to hear any more. (clamps hands over ears)

BRAEDEN
Alright. I won't say any more. I think your solution is boiling. (looks at boiling liquid in beaker)

CISSY
Great. How long do the instructions say to boil it?

(CISSY and BRAEDEN both reach for the instruction paper at the same time. Their hands touch, and they pull back as if shocked. BRAEDEN takes the paper and reads it.)

BRAEDEN
The instructions say to let it boil for five minutes, then record any observations.

CISSY
Smashing. Let me know when the five minutes is up, and then we can write down our observations and be done with this! (sigh of relief)

BRAEDEN
I have some observations right now. Can I write them down now?

CISSY
What observations could you possibly have now? We're not even done with the experiment yet.

BRAEDEN
(scribbles on scratch paper, pretending to write down observations)
The liquid is bubbling; you're pretty; the liquid is hot; I'd really like to take you out Friday night; the liquid is clear; I'd like you to say yes...and, the liquid is, well...liquid.

CISSY
If I say yes, will you shut up?

BRAEDEN
(giving CISSY a sidelong glance)
Maybe.

CISSY
It's a risk worth taking, I suppose. Yes.

BRAEDEN
(slightly teasing)
Yes, what?

CISSY
Yes, I'll go out with you Friday night.

BRAEDEN
(does a happy little dance)
WOOHOO! Pick you up at six?

CISSY
(taken aback)
Six....six is fine.

BRAEDEN
Great. Oh - your five minutes is up. Observation time.

Thus began an astonishingly traditional courtship that lasted through the rest of their high school days, and into college. Braeden behaved as a model gentleman, treating Cissy like a princess, and befriending her family. However, he kept his criminal side hidden from Cissy. He became very adept at crafting alibis for his behavior and whereabouts, and although Cissy suspected he had a dark side, she attributed her suspicions to "being a silly goose", and chastised herself for not trusting him. She felt for sure that he would be honest with her, in spite of his tendencies towards delinquency. She truly believed that he was not completely bad, and that with the right encouragement, he could be transformed into the "good boy" she saw in him.

SCENE: Sherwood family's kitchen on a Friday morning; CISSY and JOSIAH are reading the newspaper at the kitchen table; JUDITH is at the stove, fixing breakfast for the family.

JOSIAH
(Puts paper down, looks at Cissy.)
What do you have planned for today, kitten?

CISSY
(Puts paper down.)
Not much, Daddy. I have class at nine, and after I get done with that, I'm going to work. I think I get off work at 3 this afternoon, and then Braeden is taking me out to dinner. (She blushes.) It's our six-month anniversary.

JOSIAH
(Noticeably irritated at the mention of his daughter's boyfriend)
What did I tell you about that boy?

CISSY
(Crestfallen, slightly mocking)
"Boys like that are the reason good girls become bad girls. Boys like that are the work of the Devil."

JOSIAH
So, I see you remember what I've told you, but you pay no heed. You know what will happen if you cont-

CISSY
(Interrupts, pleading)
But Daddy, I love him! There is still good in him, and if I can get him to see that what he's doing is wrong-

JOSIAH
(Interrupts, shouting)
Nobody who does bad things can be saved! He has no good in him! He is going to Hell! (Bangs fist on table) And I do not want him taking you with him!

CISSY
(Crying)
But Daddy, he CAN be saved! "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Quietly) Romans 5:8.

JOSIAH
(Bellowing)
"Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord." Psalm 104:35!

JUDITH
(Turns from stove to face JOSIAH and CISSY, shouting to be heard)
ENOUGH! I will not have this fighting in my house! Josiah, we can no more control another human being than we can control the tides. We can advise our daughter, we can be there for her when she needs us, but we cannot make her decisions for her.

JOSIAH
(Argumentative, leaps to his feet)
The Bible states-

JUDITH
(With finality)
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14. "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:15.

JOSIAH
(Enraged, to CISSY)
I forbid you to see that boy! (Storms out)

CISSY
(Leans her head on folded arms on the table, sobbing, heartbroken)
But I love him!

JUDITH
(Walks over to CISSY, places her hands on CISSY's shoulders)
I know you love him, sweetheart. I know he loves you, too. I've seen the way he looks at you, and I know how he treats you. For being such a "bad boy", he sure treats you like a princess. I think you're a good influence on him.

CISSY
(Looks up, slightly hopeful)
Oh Mom - really? You don't think we should stop seeing each other?

JUDITH
I see no real problem with you two dating, but you know we can't convince your father otherwise. But, for all his bluster, your father will have forgotten about this by the time he gets home. Things will be alright. I know it.

CISSY
(Bounces out of her chair, throws her arms around JUDITH)
I love you so much, Mommy!

JUDITH
I love you too, Cis. Now, scoot! We can't have you being late to class. (She kisses CISSY on the cheek)


Unfortunately, Cissy's perceptions of Braeden were destroyed that fateful night, wherein Braeden was trapped within the alibi he was fabricating, and was forced into admitting to his felonious behavior.


SCENE: An abandoned warehouse on the "bad side" of town. The light filtering through the windows shows the dust in the air, and one shaft of light from a hole in the roof spotlights ABBADON TEIVEL and NIMROD ISCARIOT, the mob boss and his second in command, respectively, standing in the center of the dirt floor.

TEIVEL
(Angry)
That kid has cost us so damn much! Every little job we give him, he screws up!

ISCARIOT
Well, Boss, he IS a kid...(winces)

TEIVEL
(Bellowing)
Shut up, you idiot! When I was his age, I'd already killed a man! I did things, and I did them WELL.

ISCARIOT
What are we going to do about him?

TEIVEL
(Thoughtful)
Well, he's costing us a great deal...how about we give him a job, and if he screws up (draws pistol) we cost HIM a great deal. (Cocks and fires pistol, hitting an empty can, then holstering pistol)

ISCARIOT
Good idea, Boss! But, do we kill him, or someone close to him? Like his brother? You know how close he is to his brother...

TEIVEL & ISCARIOT
(Simultaneously)
Or his girlfriend!

TEIVEL
Yesssss....(rubs hands together gleefully)

(BRAEDEN walks through the doorway, crossing the dirt floor to stand in the light with TEIVEL and ISCARIOT)

BRAEDEN
You have a job for me?

(TEIVEL and ISCARIOT begin circling BRAEDEN, like sharks sensing blood in the water)

TEIVEL
Oh yes, we have a job for you. But first...

ISCARIOT
We need to discuss your...ah...performance...to date...

TEIVEL
We gave you easy jobs...you did a....ah...less than satisfactory job with them...

ISCARIOT
And, you cost us quite a bit. The Isley job, you didn't cover your man, and we lost Davis.

TEIVEL
The Palmer job, you let us walk right into the middle of a sting, and they arrested half the crew.

ISCARIOT
We should have taken care of you then...but for some reason, we had faith that you would straighten up and get the next one right. But that led to...

TEIVEL
The Maynard job.

ISCARIOT
Once again, you didn't cover your man, and we lost Egan.

TEIVEL
We've had to recruit almost a whole new team, thanks to you.

ISCARIOT
And the cops are sniffing around more and more.

TEIVEL
And we don't like...confrontations.

ISCARIOT
Right. So, that's why we're giving you this job.

TEIVEL
We need you to...ah...eliminate a little competition.

ISCARIOT
By any means necessary.

TEIVEL
Achan Nadab.

ISCARIOT
Or else...

TEIVEL
(Draws and cocks pistol, aiming at BRAEDEN. After a long pause, TEIVEL turns and fires at an empty can.)

ISCARIOT
Any questions?

BRAEDEN
(In disbelief)
You want me to...

ISCARIOT
(Lashes out, knocking BRAEDEN to the ground)

TEIVEL
Yes! (Kicks BRAEDEN in the ribs)

ISCARIOT
You NEVER question the Boss. (Kicks BRAEDEN in the ribs)

TEIVEL and ISCARIOT walk away, fading into the shadows, leaving BRAEDEN to pull himself together, and contemplate his situation.

SCENE: The living room of the Sherwood home, 5 PM, that night. CISSY is sitting on the couch, awaiting the arrival of BRAEDEN, who is nearly an hour late.

CISSY
(slightly impatient)
Mom, what time is it?

JUDITH
(comforting)
It's five o'clock, dear. Wasn't Braeden supposed to be here by now?

CISSY
(worried)
He said he'd pick me up at four, but he hasn't called or anything.

JUDITH
I'm sure everything is fine, sweetheart. Maybe his car broke again. It seems to break down an awful lot. Poor boy. He must spend half his time fixing it.

CISSY
I don't know - his car has been running just fine lately.

JUDITH
Well, whatever it is, I'm sure he doesn't mean to keep you waiting. I'm sure everything will work out al- (she is interrupted by a knock at the door)

CISSY
(bouncing up from her spot on the couch, skipping across the room to answer the door)
Yay! He's here!

(CISSY opens the door to see BRAEDEN standing on the porch. He has obviously been in a fight - he has a scrape on his cheek, a cut on his forehead, and the beginnings of a black eye.)

CISSY
(Concerned, astonished)
Darlin', what happened? (She grasps his chin, and tilts his head to get a better look at his injuries)

BRAEDEN
It's nothing. Football game with the boys. It just got a little rowdy.

CISSY
It's not "nothing" - you're bleeding. (she takes his hand) Come in here - let me take care of you.

BRAEDEN
(trying to pull away)
Don't worry about me. I'm fine. Really.

CISSY
(grabbing his hand tighter, pulling slightly, trying to get him in the house)
Humor me. Let's at least get you cleaned up. Come on.

BRAEDEN
(follows meekly)
Alright. I can't say no to you. (looks at her with sad "puppy-dog" eyes)

(CISSY leads BRAEDEN down the hall to the bathroom.)

CISSY
(closing the door, motioning for BRAEDEN to sit down)
Here, sit on the edge of the tub. (BRAEDEN sits down) Now, let's see. (CISSY kneels in front of BRAEDEN, studying him carefully)

BRAEDEN
(slightly cavalier, slightly sarcstic)
Like what you see?

CISSY
Not exactly. I don't like seeing you hurt. Poor baby. (CISSY wraps her arms around BRAEDEN, who winces. She pulls back and looks him in the eye.) Honey, I felt that. What hurts?

BRAEDEN
I'm fine. I'm just a little sore.

CISSY
Sore? From what? Come on, off with that shirt. Let me see.

BRAEDEN
It's nothing. Can we go now?

CISSY
I'm not taking no for an answer. Now- (CISSY starts to slide BRAEDEN's shirt up, revealing several large bruises beginning to form)

BRAEDEN
I-

CISSY
(interrupting, astonished, slightly angry)
Honey! What happened? Did you and Jordan have a fight about something again?! Look at those bruises! Your ribs might be broken!

BRAEDEN
(exasperated)
No, Jordan and I didn't fight over anything this time. Will you just calm down?!

CISSY
Not until you're honest with me. (CISSY stands, goes to the cabinet to get supplies to tend to BRAEDEN's injuries)

BRAEDEN
Alright. I'll explain. You have to promise me you won't tell ANYONE any of this. Is that clear?

CISSY
I promise. (CISSY starts tending to BRAEDEN's injuries) Tell me.

BRAEDEN
Okay. Look at me, honey.

(BRAEDEN cups CISSY's face in his hands, gently making her look him in the eye. CISSY stops tending to BRAEDEN's injuries, and listens)

CISSY
You can tell me anything.

BRAEDEN
(slowly)
Sweetheart, I know that you know that I'm a bit of a screw-up. We both know I don't get the best grades, and I'm not a perfect gentleman by any stretch of the imagination. And, I have some...acquaintances...who are....well, less than friendly. (pause)

CISSY
(looks at him, uncertain)
Who did this to you?

BRAEDEN
(rushing to explain everything before he loses his nerve)
You've heard of Abbadon Teivel and Nimrod Iscariot? I got into a little scrape with them. It's alright - it's nothing major, trust me. Just a little scrape, that's all.

CISSY
(squawking)
BRAEDEN! How much trouble are you in?!

BRAEDEN
Quiet! I don't want your parents finding out. I didn't want to tell you, but-

CISSY
(interrupting)
Honey, whatever it is, we can get you out of it. My dad knows people and-

BRAEDEN
Cis, you don't understand. I don't want you involved in this. I don't want you getting hurt.

CISSY
Oh, Braeden. (CISSY kisses BRAEDEN softly) There's got to be some way to get you out of whatever trouble you're in.

BRAEDEN
Yeah, there is. Give them what they want.

CISSY
(Slowly, not really wanting to know the answer, but asking anyway)
What...do they want?

BRAEDEN
Honey...it's so hard to tell you. I know you'll worry, and I don't want to do that to you. I don't want you involved, and I don't want you to get hurt.

CISSY
Darlin'...I don't want to know, but I have to know. So I can help you, and so I know what I'm getting into.

BRAEDEN
What you're getting into?

CISSY
Well, I was going to tell you this at dinner tonight, but...(takes his hands in hers) Braeden Ciardha Macleod, I love you, and I can't see myself with anybody else.

BRAEDEN
I love you too, Cis. And that's why I don't want you involved in this. I don't want you to get hurt. I don't want anything to happen to you. (he kisses her)

CISSY
Braeden...please...tell me.

BRAEDEN
Alright, I'll make this as vague as possible. They want me to...ah...eliminate some competition.

CISSY
(Squawking)
BRAEDEN! You can't mean -

BRAEDEN
(Silencing her)
Yes, I can. By any means necessary...but hopefully it doesn't come down to that.

CISSY
When...when do you have to do this?

BRAEDEN
I have a week. And, I have to clear it with "them", so that they can be witness to it and know that I did it right. That's how these things work.

CISSY
Oh Braeden. How did you get into this?

BRAEDEN
Wrong place, wrong time. And, speaking of wrong times, this is the wrong time to be talking about this. Come on. (he stands, and takes her hand, pulling her up from her knees) After all, this is our anniversary. Let's celebrate.

CISSY
(Perking up)
So, where are you taking me to dinner?

BRAEDEN
(Teasing)
I'm taking YOU to dinner?! I thought you were taking ME to dinner!

CISSY
(Feigning indignant)
Well!

BRAEDEN
(Wrapping his arms around CISSY, pulling her close)
Come here. (He kisses her) Where do you want to go, princess?

CISSY
I don't care, as long as I'm with you.

BRAEDEN
There's got to be SOMEWHERE you want to go.

CISSY
Hmmm. You remember where we went on our first date?

BRAEDEN
We went to McDonalds, after the football game. Don't you want to go somewhere nicer?

CISSY
McDonalds is just fine with me. Maybe we can drive out to the lake after...?

BRAEDEN
Whatever you want, honey.

CISSY
(pulls away, taking BRAEDEN's hand and leading him)
Come on.


SCENE: The Macleod family house, the boys' bedroom, before church, Sunday morning. JORDAN is fully dressed, ready to depart. BRAEDEN is in his underwear, having slept in fifteen minutes too long.

BRAEDEN
(frantically searching for his good clothes to wear to church)
Jordan! Come on! This isn't funny! Where are my pants?!

JORDAN
(teasing)
Wouldn't you just love to know?

BRAEDEN
I can't go to church without my pants, and then all our plans will be for nothing! Don't you remember? We were going to take Cissy on a picnic. If we don't go to church, we can't do that!

JORDAN
I'll tell you where your pants are (pause) IF you tell me what I want to know.

BRAEDEN
I'd tell you that I'm a chicken and have feathers and lay eggs, if it means getting my pants back.

JORDAN
(completely serious)
Alright. Tell me how you got all those scrapes and bruises. We haven't played football in a week, and those are fresh.

BRAEDEN
Just a nice little encounter with that crack in the back patio, that's all. Tripped on the edge of the concrete that sticks up, and got a little more friendly with it than I wanted to.

JORDAN
(sarcastic)
Right. Sure. I believe you. Mmmhm. And the Pope will come out on his balcony and give the football scores. Start talkin'. Who are you in trouble with this time? Who'd you piss off? Is it Teivel again?

BRAEDEN
(desparate)
You can't tell mom any of this. She'd have a coronary.

JORDAN
(holds up BRAEDEN's pants, taunting)
I won't. Now tell me, or no pants.

BRAEDEN
Where were you hiding those?! I'll wring your neck if we're late to church! (makes a lunge, grabbing at the pants)

JORDAN
(takes pants away)
Nope. It's gonna be your own fault if we're late. You've gotta tell me who you're in trouble with now.

BRAEDEN
(defeated)
Alright, it's Teivel. Can I have my pants back now?

JORDAN
Come on, I want the details. Who does he want you to put out of business now?

BRAEDEN
Achan Nadab.

JORDAN
(stands, gaping at BRAEDEN, who seizes the opportunity to reclaim his pants)
Bro, this guy isn't like anyone you've dealt with before. You're not just going to be able to scare him out of business like you did all the others. He's GOOD.

BRAEDEN
(hopping about, pulling his pants on)
I know. I'm...better! (he falls over mid-hop)

JORDAN
(stifling a laugh)
Bro, I should hope you're better. You're gonna get yourself killed, you know that?

BRAEDEN
I don't think so.

JORDAN
Come on. You've got to get out of this. What if something happens to you? What's Cissy going to do? Ever think of that?

BRAEDEN
(scrambling to finish getting dressed)
Nothing is going to happen. End of story.

JORDAN
(snatches BRAEDEN's shoes)
Now -

BRAEDEN
(howling)
COME ON! Give those back!

JORDAN
I want you to promise me that you will get yourself out of this. You are in enough trouble as it is. If the cops find you, you're done. If Nadab gets the jump on you, you're done. Promise me, bro.

BRAEDEN
I promise.

JORDAN
You're going to quit for good? Leave that life behind? Stop getting into trouble?

BRAEDEN
Yes, just give me my damn shoes back so we can get to church on time!

JORDAN
A promise is a promise... (he lets his words trail off as he tosses BRAEDEN his shoes, and walks out of the room)

BRAEDEN
(frantically pulling his shoes on and tying the laces)
Dammit!

JORDAN
(calling from the stairs as he walks down) I'll be in the truck. Come out when you're ready.

BRAEDEN
(calling in reply)
Alright. Whatever. Just don't leave without me!



SCENE: Church, Sunday morning. JOSIAH has just finished preaching his sermon. CISSY and JUDITH are among the congregation.

CISSY
Was it just me, or did Daddy's sermon seem a little more fiery than usual today?

JUDITH
I think it was.

(Before JUDITH can say anything more, BRAEDEN and JORDAN approach)

CISSY
Braeden, Jordan! (She embraces them both) How are my two favorite boys today?

BRAEDEN
Just peachy.

JORDAN
I'm great. And how's the prettiest girl in town today, hm? (He kisses CISSY's cheek, making her blush)

BRAEDEN
(teasing)
Watch it, bro. She's mine.

JORDAN
Well, I was referring to this lovely lady here. (He embraces JUDITH) How are you, ma'am?

JUDITH
I'm just fine. It's so good to see you boys. You're such gentlemen! And, you know how to make a girl blush.

BRAEDEN
(with his arm still around CISSY)
Well, ma'am, I came to ask your permission to...ah...appropriate...your daughter for the afternoon.

JUDITH
(with mock sternness)
May I assume that your intentions are honorable, young man?

BRAEDEN
(playing along)
Yes, ma'am.

JUDITH
What, pray tell, have you got planned?

BRAEDEN
That, ma'am, I cannot disclose at present, as it IS a surprise. (he winks)

JUDITH
Very well, then. I trust you will have her home at an appropriate hour for dinner?

BRAEDEN
Yes, ma'am.

JUDITH
You may...appropriate...my daughter for the afternoon.

BRAEDEN
Thank you, ma'am. (he releases his hold on CISSY to embrace JUDITH briefly)

CISSY
Thank you, Mommy! (she embraces JUDITH tightly)

JUDITH
You're welcome, sweetheart. Now, go! Have fun, whatever it is that you're doing.

BRAEDEN
(puts his arm around CISSY) Come on, Cis. (to JORDAN) Come on, bro. Let's go have some fun!

(CISSY, BRAEDEN and JORDAN walk outside, towards BRAEDEN's truck, together)

JORDAN
Awww man! It's raining! I told you this would happen!

BRAEDEN
Now, what's the Boy Scout motto? (he unlocks the passenger door of the truck, CISSY scrambles in, moving to the middle of the bench seat. JORDAN sits on the passenger side, closing the door behind him. BRAEDEN scrambles into the driver's seat, closing the door behind him.)

JORDAN
(parroting)
"Be prepared."

BRAEDEN
Right. (to CISSY) Now, we're going to stop by your house so you can change out of your good clothes into something that you won't mind getting dirty, and then we'll stop by our house so Jordan and I can change. (he starts the truck, and begins to drive out of the parking lot)

CISSY
(inquisitive)
Now, just why would I need to do that, hm?

JORDAN
(snickering slightly)
You'll see.

CISSY
This isn't going to be like last time, is it? Last time, I ended up eating a worm. It was a mistake to let you two boys teach me to fish!

BRAEDEN
No, nothing of the sort this time. (he winks conspiratorially at JORDAN)


SCENE: A picnic area near a lake, somewhere just outside the city. JORDAN, CISSY, and BRAEDEN are sitting on the tailgate of the truck, eating their sandwiches. BRAEDEN is growing irritated with JORDAN's apparently childish behavior, and is anxious about the deadline approaching. He tries to shoo JORDAN away so he can have some time alone with CISSY.

CISSY
I have to hand it to you boys. You sure know how to show a girl a good time.
(CISSY looks around, surveying the poorly constructed survival shelter made from a tarp hung over a rope strung between two trees, the pile of wood she split with the hatchet for making a fire later, the bullet holes in the tin cans used for target practice when JORDAN and BRAEDEN taught her to fire a pistol, and the clouds inching closer, threatening rain)

BRAEDEN
You know it, sweetheart. You know it.

JORDAN
(slightly sarcastic, mocking)
Nothing but the finest accomodations for the Princess.

BRAEDEN
Jordan, can't you find anything better to do than sit here and irritate me? I'm sure there's wood that needs splitting, bugs that need counting, perhaps M&Ms to alphabetize...(to himself) A lake that's going to need dredging to find the body...

JORDAN
Cissy split enough wood for us, bugs scare me, and we ate all the Ws out of the M&Ms. So, neener neener.

BRAEDEN
(growing increasingly irritated)
Oh yeah? Neener neener THIS! (he reaches over, wraps his arm around Jordan's neck, putting him in a headlock, and gives him a noogie)

CISSY
BOYS! Knock it off! Right this instant! (she gets between the two, attempting to separate them)

BRAEDEN
Tell him to shut up!

JORDAN
No, tell HIM to shut up!

CISSY
(finally managing to separate BRAEDEN and JORDAN, holding BRAEDEN's arm with her left hand, and JORDAN's arm with her right hand, attempting to keep them apart)
Now...Jordan...why don't you go take a walk or something? I'd like to have a TALK (she emphasizes this word with a sudden hard squeeze of BRAEDEN's arm) with your dear brother.

JORDAN
Alright, alright. (he shakes off CISSY's grip on his arm, and walks away)

(CISSY waits until JORDAN is out of earshot before speaking)

CISSY
(angry)
What is wrong with you?! You've been so...violent...lately. Don't tell me you didn't get out of trouble yet!

BRAEDEN
(enraged)
What's wrong with ME?! How about what's wrong with YOU!? You have been treating me like a child, Cissy! And, no, I'm not out of trouble yet. I have to come up with a way to do it that's acceptable to Teivel, and doesn't get me killed in the process!

CISSY
(quietly, with barely controlled fury)
That's it. We are done. When Jordan gets back, you will take me home. And that will be the last you see of me. I've had enough of the lies, the yelling, the fighting. It's over, Braeden.

BRAEDEN
(grabbing CISSY by the shoulders, pinning her against the side of the truck)
LIES?! You want lies?! How about when you said you loved me?! That you'd stand by me, no matter what life threw at us. Answer me, bitch!

CISSY
(starting to cry)
Let go of me!

BRAEDEN
Not until you admit you lied to me.

CISSY
(incensed)
Oh, so I lied to you, eh? How about all the times you told me you got hurt playing football with the boys? Or that your car wasn't running right, so you had to fix it before you could come get me? You were off consorting with Teivel, weren't you?! Or maybe there was another girl. Was she good, Braeden? Did she give you what I wouldn't?

BRAEDEN
(shaking her forcefully)
How dare you even THINK I'd do that to you!

CISSY
So tell me Braeden - is she tall, blonde and perfect? I always knew that a brunette like me wouldn't do it for you.

BRAEDEN
ALRIGHT! I admit it! I kept my dealings with Teivel hidden from you. I lied. Is that what you wanted to hear?!

CISSY
(sarcastic)
Exactly what I wanted to hear.

BRAEDEN
(pushes CISSY against the truck again)
Don't take that tone with me, bitch!

CISSY
What has gotten into you?!

(JORDAN has heard all the commotion, and comes running back, just in time to see BRAEDEN push CISSY against the truck and bring his hand back as if to hit her)

JORDAN
WHOA! What the hell is going on here?!

(JORDAN pulls BRAEDEN away from CISSY, allowing her to escape)

BRAEDEN
(struggling to get out of JORDAN's grasp)
Let go of me, asshole!

JORDAN
I knew I shouldn't have left you two alone. (he tightens his grip on BRAEDEN) Cissy, are you alright?

CISSY
(trying not to cry)
I'm alright, Jordan. A little bruised, but nothing major.

JORDAN
Braeden, Daddy would kill you for this. He's probably looking down on you right now, shaking his head and cursing, saying he raised you better than that. I'm of a mind to kill you myself, actually. You don't treat a woman like that. Especially not one as fine as Cissy.

(BRAEDEN struggles to get free once more, JORDAN throws him to the ground and pins him down, his hands holding BRAEDEN's arms down, and his knee on BRAEDEN's chest.)

JORDAN
You don't want to do this, bro.

BRAEDEN
I'll kill that little bitch! She lied to me!

JORDAN
(surprisingly calm)
No, you won't. If any killing is to be done, it's going to be me, killing your sorry ass for what you've done to us all. You just think about yourself, don't you? You don't give a fuck what you're doing to Ma, to me, to Cissy, do you? You're just going to keep on getting caught up in trying to make something of yourself, but you're going about it all wrong. Remember when you blew up Mrs. Peabody's fence? And I told you that one day, you were going to get someone hurt or killed? That day is upon us, Braeden. Can you feel it? Knowing you've hurt those people closest to you, with your lies, all your bullshit. You like it, Braeden?

BRAEDEN
Fuck you! I'm still taking this job. I'm not going to get myself killed by Teivel for not taking it. I'm won't go down without a fight!

JORDAN
A fight may not be enough. Nadab is GOOD, bro. Short of having an army on your side, and possibly an act of God, you're not going to make it.

CISSY
Jordan, would you please take me home? I...I don't think Braeden should drive.

JORDAN
I'll drive. But...I can't just leave him here. Ass that he is, he IS my brother. (he looks down at BRAEDEN) Gee, bro - this is quite the role reversal, isn't it?

BRAEDEN
Fuck you. You're not driving MY truck.

JORDAN
Well, bro, you're leaving me no choice. You are in no shape to drive. You'd kill someone.

CISSY
Jordan? What are you implying?

JORDAN
Cissy, it pains me to say this, but...hand me the rope from behind the seat. It's for the good of all involved.

BRAEDEN
(squirming violently, trying to escape)
You are NOT going to fucking tie me up!

JORDAN
Bro, it's for your own good. You'll thank me later, if you survive your encounter with Nadab, Teivel and Iscariot. (he takes the rope from CISSY) Cis, do you think you can pin his legs down? Don't get kicked, now. (CISSY moves to pin BRAEDEN's legs down, JORDAN starts tying BRAEDEN's wrists together)

BRAEDEN
Hello! Dickhead! I'm right here! Don't talk about me like I'm not here!

JORDAN
Fuck you. (he finishes tying BRAEDEN's wrists, and moves on to his legs.)

CISSY
Can we just stop with the fighting?!

JORDAN
(finishing tying BRAEDEN's legs) Bro, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way. Which pocket are your keys in?

BRAEDEN
Go to hell.

JORDAN
Alright, we'll do this the hard way. (he searches BRAEDEN's pockets, with some difficulty due to BRAEDEN's struggling; he comes up with the keys)

CISSY
Thank you, Jordan.

JORDAN
(tosses CISSY the keys) Here ya go, Cis. Go get in. I'll deal with young Master Braeden here.

(CISSY walks to the cab of the truck and gets in, closing the door behind her.)

BRAEDEN
You're being an ass.

JORDAN
No, you're the ass. You listen to me. You had better do this job well. You'd better make it out alive, because you have a hell of a lot of kissing up and explaining to do. You really hurt me, Braeden, and you're killing Cissy.

BRAEDEN
I know.

JORDAN
So, you know. But, do you care, is the question.

BRAEDEN
(blustering)
Of course I care! Don't you see that it's killing me, too?! I don't like being this way. Do you think I WANTED to go crazy like that? It's the stress of doing this job that's making me like this.

JORDAN
So, if it's the stress of doing the jobs that makes you like this, why don't you get out? Do something with that brain of yours. Make something of yourself.

BRAEDEN
If I make it out of this alive...


SCENE: An abandoned warehouse, the night of the deadline. BRAEDEN has arranged a meeting between TEIVEL, ISCARIOT and NADAB. TEIVEL and ISCARIOT are hidden in the shadows, watching the exchange between BRAEDEN and NADAB unfold, ready to step in if necessary.

NADAB
So, what is this deal you are proposing?

BRAEDEN
(deadpan)
You take your business elsewhere, and we let you keep your life.

NADAB
(sneers)
You're going to have to do better than that. You don't frighten me.

BRAEDEN
(draws pistol)
Now...about this deal...we can do this the easy way, or the hard way.

NADAB
(laughs)
You still don't frighten me.

BRAEDEN
(cocks pistol, takes aim)
Don't say I didn't warn you.

(NADAB's five henchmen seem to materialize out of the shadows, guns drawn. A standoff ensues.)

NADAB
(calm and collected)
But, it appears I have failed to warn YOU.

ISCARIOT
(quietly, to TEIVEL)
Boss, shouldn't we-

TEIVEL
(whispering)
No. Let him sink or swim. What do we need him for? All he has done is screw up, and cost us. Now, it's his turn...

(ISCARIOT and TEIVEL slip quietly out of the warehouse)

NADAB
(to henchmen)
You know the drill.

(One of the henchmen steps forward, swiftly disarming BRAEDEN, and shoving him to the ground. All the henchmen stand, with pistols trained on BRAEDEN's prostrate form, looking at each other, seeming to be silently debating who gets to dispose of him. A couple moments pass. In the corner of the warehouse, several cherry bombs detonate. Everyone is stunned, providing enough distraction for JORDAN to rush in.)

JORDAN
(firing his pistol at the henchmen, hitting the two closest to BRAEDEN)
Heads up, bro!

BRAEDEN
(looking up to see JORDAN running towards him)
What the hell are you doing here?!

JORDAN
(reaching for BRAEDEN's hand, pulling him up off the ground)
Come on, no time to explain - we gotta get outta here!

(The three remaining henchmen move in, attempting to corner BRAEDEN and JORDAN, as per NADAB's instructions to take them alive. In the background, NADAB can be seen making a hasty retreat to his waiting car.)

JORDAN
Here, bro. (he hands BRAEDEN a pistol)

BRAEDEN
Now it's a fair fight.

(Before BRAEDEN or JORDAN can fire a shot, the henchmen drop at their feet. BRAEDEN and JORDAN look to the corner of the warehouse, and there stands CISSY, rifle in hand.)

BRAEDEN
(running towards CISSY)
CISSY! What are you doing here?!

CISSY
(closing the distance between herself and BRAEDEN)
Darlin', I couldn't let you do this alone. I didn't want to lose you...

BRAEDEN
(scooping CISSY up in his arms)
Oh, honey...I'm so sorry. (He starts to cry.) I never meant to hurt you, never meant to drag you into this.

CISSY
(cups BRAEDEN's face in her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks)
Braeden...I forgive you. (she kisses him) I know you didn't mean it.

BRAEDEN
I love you, Cissy.

CISSY
And I love you, Braeden.

(CISSY and BRAEDEN kiss. BRAEDEN then turns to look JORDAN in the eye.)

BRAEDEN
Bro, how did you -

JORDAN
(interrupting)
I pulled a few strings. You know...my contacts.

BRAEDEN
(chuckling)
Your contacts?

JORDAN
You heard me. You remember when I was so hell-bent on being a police officer, and I spent all that time hanging out with cops, and helping out down at headquarters? I made a few friends...

BRAEDEN
(surveying the bodies of the henchmen)
What are we gonna do about all this?

JORDAN
Don't worry about it. Self-defense, bro. Self-defense.

BRAEDEN
You know...Nadab got away.

JORDAN
Nope. He didn't.

BRAEDEN
What?

JORDAN
I told you I pulled some strings...

(BRAEDEN, CISSY and JORDAN walk out of the warehouse together. Outside, several police cars are parked. A swarm of police officers surrounds the building. NADAB's car sits empty. NADAB, his driver, TEIVEL and ISCARIOT are all handcuffed and seated in the back of the police cars. Police officers are questioning them.)

BRAEDEN
Jordan...you're amazing, bro. (he throws his arms around JORDAN) I'm so sorry for all the shit I put you through.

JORDAN
(returning BRAEDEN's embrace)
You're forgiven. You're damn lucky I'm on your side. You wouldn't have made it out alive.

BRAEDEN
I love ya, bro.

JORDAN
I love ya too. Now...let's get outta here.

CISSY
(wrapping an arm around BRAEDEN's waist)
I second that motion.

(CISSY, BRAEDEN and JORDAN walk away from the warehouse together, past the police cars. BRAEDEN makes eye contact with TEIVEL as he walks past the police car.)

BRAEDEN
(quietly)
Crime doesn't pay.

CISSY
What?

BRAEDEN
Nothing. Let's go home.

POLICE OFFICER #1
Jordan.

JORDAN
(pausing, turning to face the POLICE OFFICER #1)
Yes?

POLICE OFFICER #1
Good on ya. You'll make a fine officer someday.

JORDAN
Thank you, sir.

POLICE OFFICER #2
There's nothing like brotherhood...

JORDAN
Yes, sir. (he wraps his arm around BRAEDEN's shoulders)

(BRAEDEN and JORDAN look at each other knowingly as they walk on.)

CISSY
What?

BRAEDEN and JORDAN
(together)
Nothing! It's a guy thing...

END